Make A Difference: Hunger and Homelessness Awareness

In the United States in 2024, there are approximately 500,000+ people experiencing homelessness, with 34% of those being families (1). Though there are many organizations who aid those experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness, there are simply not enough allocated resources to support all who face these struggles, including families and children. The organizations who work to benefits those in need rely heavily on volunteers and donations to reach goals and make an impact.

As the weather grows colder, consider getting involved in the effort to help our fellow humans. Homelessness and housing insecurity is not always visible and affects people and families in lasting ways. Demonstrate the importance of activism and kindness with your family this season by volunteering, making monetary contributions, donating goods and necessities, or lending a hand in whatever way makes sense for you and yours.

Below are some incredible organizations to get involved with, though this is not a comprehensive list of resources in the area. As the saying goes, “Our good works are like stones cast into the pool of time; though the stones themselves may disappear, their ripples extend to eternity.” Let us each make ripples of kindness wherever and however we can and teach our children to do the same.

READ: What is a Non-Profit? And A List of 10 to Support Today

Shelters:

• Bridge of Hope Harrisburg

  https://harrisburg.bridgeofhopeinc.org/

• YWCA of Greater Harrisburg, serving Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry Counties

  https://www.ywcahbg.org/

• Thrive Housing Services for Young Adults and Youth

  https://www.thrivehousingservices.org/

• Downtown Daily Bread, Harrisburg

  https://downtowndailybread.org/

• Interfaith Shelter for Homeless Families, serving Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry Counties

  https://www.cchbg.org/services/interfaith-shelter-for-homeless-families/

• Clare House Lancaster

  https://www.clarehouselancaster.org/

• Good Samaritan Services Lancaster and Chester Counties

  https://goodsamservices.org/what-we-do/

• Milagro House Lancaster

  https://milagrohouse.org/

• Valley Youth House

  https://valleyyouthhouse.org/housing-programs/?_county_filter=york

• Covenant House York

  https://www.covenanthouse.org/homeless-shelters/york-pennsylvania

Food Banks:

• Harrisburg Area Food Pantry

  https://www.hfoodpantry.org/

• Libby Urie Food Pantry

  https://jfsofhbg.org/emergency-financial-and-food-assistance/

• Salvation Army Capital City Region

  https://pa.salvationarmy.org/harrisburg-pa/Breakfast_Program_Description

• Lancaster Food Hub

  https://lancasterfoodhub.org/

• Water Street Mission Food Bank

  https://wsm.org/impact_post/what-to-know-about-our-lancaster-food-bank/

• Crispus Attucks Food Pantry & Cafe

  https://caplanc.org/access-resources/safety-empowerment/crispus-attucks-community-center/food-resources/

• The Movement

  https://www.gly365.org/organizations/the-movement

• York County Food Bank

  https://yorkfoodbank.org/

• Catholic Harvest Food Pantry

  https://www.catholicharvest.org/

1) https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/homeless-population-by-state